Enhanced Surgical Suturing Instrument with Advanced Features
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The present inventive concept relates to a surgical suturing instrument that incorporates various advanced features, including a real-time suture tension sensor, adjustable multi-angle jaw configuration, automated suture knot formation, integrated suture storage compartment, and haptic feedback system, to improve the efficiency, safety, and effectiveness of surgical suturing procedures.
Background and Problem Solved
The original surgical suturing instrument patent had limitations in terms of optimizing suture tension, accessing complex surgical sites, and reducing waste in the operating room. The present inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing innovative features that enhance the overall performance of the surgical suturing instrument.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The enhanced surgical suturing instrument comprises a real-time suture tension sensor integrated into the grasping mechanism, providing visual feedback to the user. The instrument also features an adjustable, multi-angle jaw configuration, allowing for enhanced maneuverability and access to complex surgical sites. Furthermore, the instrument includes a method for automated suture knot formation using the adjustment element, which is programmed to create a predetermined knot pattern. Additionally, the instrument incorporates an integrated, sterilizable, and reusable suture storage compartment, reducing waste and improving operating room efficiency. The instrument also includes a haptic feedback system, providing tactile cues to the user during suture placement and tightening.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The present inventive concept introduces novel features that are not present in the original patent, including the real-time suture tension sensor, adjustable multi-angle jaw configuration, automated suture knot formation, integrated suture storage compartment, and haptic feedback system. These features provide a non-obvious solution to the limitations of the original patent, enhancing the overall performance and efficiency of the surgical suturing instrument.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include variations in the design of the real-time suture tension sensor, adjustable multi-angle jaw configuration, automated suture knot formation, integrated suture storage compartment, and haptic feedback system. For example, the sensor could be integrated into the shaft or the jaws, or the jaw configuration could be adjusted using a different mechanism. Additionally, the instrument could be designed for use in specific surgical procedures, such as laparoscopic or robotic surgery.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced surgical suturing instrument has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the surgical instrument market. The instrument's advanced features could be marketed to hospitals, surgical centers, and medical device companies, with potential applications in various surgical specialties, including general surgery, orthopedic surgery, and cardiovascular surgery.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B17/0483 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/0467 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Surgical instrumentation, specifically medical devices for suturing and wound closure, requiring advanced mechanical engineering, biomedical design, and precision medical device fabrication skills
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or surgical instrument designer with advanced mechanical engineering training, familiar with medical device design principles, surgical procedural requirements, and current suturing technologies
Obviousness Rationale
A person having ordinary skill would recognize that the PTD's proposed enhancements represent incremental improvements to the source patent's surgical suturing instrument, utilizing known sensor technologies, mechanical adjustment mechanisms, and feedback systems that are readily adaptable to surgical instrumentation design. The variations represent predictable extensions of existing surgical device engineering principles, applying standard design optimization techniques to enhance functionality and user experience.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,178 |
|---|---|
| Title | Surgical suturing instrument |